Our beautiful coastline here in Ireland is dotted with incredible islands, each of which has its own charm, history, and wild beauty.

Some are easy to reach, connected by bridges or regular ferries, while others require a bit more effort with seasonal ferries or even a cable car, rewarding potential visitors with stunning landscapes and the true sense of escape that Ireland is famous for.

On my campervan trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, I had the chance to visit Achill Island and Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the Aran Islands. Both left an impression on me for the remarkable scenery and the sense of culture which feels stronger here on the islands than most everywhere else in Ireland.

More Irish islands are on my bucket list. A trip to Skellig Michael got cancelled at the last minute due to bad weather, but I want to go to Rathlin as I live in the North of Ireland, where it is, but also on my list is the Great Blasket Island and the more remote Tory Island.

My brief guide on this page covers all the Irish islands you can visit, ranked by population size and ease of access. If you’re looking for inspiration while planning your itinerary, read on for some ideas!

ISLANDS WITH PERMANENT POPULATIONS

*(Note: with population and accessibility details for reference) *

  1. Achill Island, Mayo (~2,569) – Accessible by bridge.
  2. Aran Islands - Inis Mór (Inishmore) (~762) – Ferry from Rossaveel/Doolin, flights from Connemara.
  3. ****Aran Islands - Inis Oírr (Inisheer) (~281) – Ferry from Doolin/Rossaveel.
  4. ****Aran Islands - Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) (~183) – Ferry from Rossaveel, flights from Connemara
  5. Valentia Island, Kerry (~658) – Bridge at Portmagee, ferry from Reenard Point.
  6. Arranmore Island, Donegal (~478) – Ferry from Burtonport.
  7. Inishbofin, Galway (~184) – Ferry from Cleggan.
  8. Bere Island, Cork (~218) – Ferry from Castletownbere.
  9. Tory Island, Donegal (~141) – Ferry from Magheroarty.
  10. Clare Island, Mayo (~138) – Ferry from Roonagh Pier.
  11. Rathlin Island, Antrim (NI) (~150) – Ferry from Ballycastle.
  12. Sherkin Island, Cork (~110) – Ferry from Baltimore.
  13. Cape Clear Island, Cork (~110) – Ferry from Baltimore/Schull.
  14. Inishturk, Mayo (~58) – Ferry from Roonagh Pier.
  15. Heir Island, Cork (~29) – Ferry from Cunnamore Pier.
  16. Inishbofin, Donegal (~16) – Ferry from Magheroarty Pier.

Uninhabited or Seasonally Inhabited Islands

  1. Dursey Island, Cork (<10) – Access via cable car (Ireland’s only one!).
  2. Gola Island, Donegal – Summer ferry from Magheragallon Pier.
  3. Blasket Islands, Kerry – Boat trips from Dunquin in summer.
  4. Great Blasket Island, Kerry – Seasonal tours from Dunquin.
  5. Inishmurray, Sligo – Challenging access via boat from Mullaghmore.
  6. Lambay Island, Dublin – Private island; visits via guided tours.
  7. Saltee Islands, Wexford – Boat trips to Great Saltee from Kilmore Quay.
  8. Skellig Michael, Kerry – Seasonal boat tours from Portmagee.

Notes on Accessibility

  • Bridged Islands (Achill, Valentia) are the easiest to visit.
  • Year-Round Ferry Access (Aran Islands, Arranmore, Rathlin, Bere, Cape Clear, Sherkin).
  • Seasonal or Weather-Dependent Access (Skellig Michael, Blaskets, Saltee, Inishmurray).
  • Private Islands (Lambay) require prior arrangements.
  • Cable Car Access (Dursey) is a unique feature.